Helicopter Search Light Dynamic Illumination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helicopter search lights fail to provide satisfactory illumination under varying environmental conditions, leading to significant contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated areas, which deteriorates the pilot's visual perception.
Innovation Solution
A helicopter search light with an adjustable light output, featuring a light detector and control unit that adjusts the lighting based on ambient light conditions, selectively switching light sources on and off to maintain a predetermined light ratio and minimum illumination level, optimizing illumination for enhanced pilot visibility without excessive light pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the helicopter search light provides strong illumination to illuminate the ground area, then the pilot can see obstacles clearly, but the contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated areas becomes too large which deteriorates visual perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light output adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adapts the illumination intensity of the light sources based on ambient light conditions detected by the light detector, allowing the system to optimize the balance between providing sufficient illumination and maintaining acceptable contrast ratios for pilot visual perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the light detector that continuously monitors ambient light conditions and provides detection signals to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust the light output to maintain optimal illumination levels while controlling the contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated areas, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Illumination intensity
If the light output is increased to improve visibility in dark conditions, then obstacles become more visible, but excessive light is emitted which limits peripheral vision and creates light pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts light output based on detected ambient light conditions rather than operating at fixed high intensity. This allows the helicopter search light to provide sufficient illumination for obstacle visibility while minimizing excessive light emission that would limit peripheral vision and create light pollution, adapting to actual environmental needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light output intensity based on detected ambient light conditions. By varying this parameter according to environmental factors, the system achieves optimal visibility without excessive light emission, resolving the contradiction between needing strong illumination and avoiding light pollution.
3Area of stationary object
If the search light provides wide area illumination (flood light), then the pilot can see a larger area, but the illumination intensity per unit area decreases reducing clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the illumination intensity of individual light sources based on ambient light conditions and detection signals. This allows the search light to provide wide area coverage while maintaining sufficient illumination intensity per unit area by optimizing the output of each light source according to actual environmental requirements rather than using fixed intensity settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lighting system into multiple independently controllable light sources. This segmentation allows the control unit to selectively activate and adjust the intensity of specific light sources based on ambient conditions, enabling flexible configuration to achieve both wide area coverage and adequate illumination intensity per unit area as needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances pilot visual perception by dynamically adjusting light output to match ambient conditions, reducing contrast and ensuring clear visibility while minimizing light exposure to non-illuminated areas, thereby improving overall situational awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a light detector, which is configured for detecting light reflected by the ground and/or at least one item on the ground
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A helicopter search light (I) comprises a lighting arrangement (2) comprising at least one light source (10, 20) and having an adjustable light output; a light detector (30), which is configured for detecting light reflected by the ground (200) and/or at least one item on the ground (200) and for providing a detection signal which is correlated to an amount of light detected; and a control unit (40), coupled to the light detector (30) for receiving the detection signal and to the at least on light source (10, 20) for controlling the adjustable light output of the lighting arrangement (2). The control unit (40) is configured for: (A) selectively switching at least a subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) on and off; (B) determining a first light detection value (w1) from the detection signal, the first light detection value (w1) being indicative of the amount of light detected while the at least one subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) is switched off; (C) determining a second light detection value (w2) from the detection signal, the second light detection value (w2) being indicative of the amount of light detected while the at least one subset of the at least one light source (10, 20) is switched on; and (D) controlling the adjustable light output of the lighting arrangement (2) as a function of the first light detection value (w1) and the second light detection value (w2).